kiara - birmingham, al

07/09/2016

Reviewer is A current student here.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

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In three sentences

lawson is a wonderful school. lawson state gives you the opportunity to grow in so many ways as an individual. also, they offer many community service programs to help strengthen character and the student body.

Olivia from Birmingham, AL

Lawson has police on campus. They will talk to you if needed. They are always driving around campus to make sure everything is good.

Greek Life

I do not really have experience about Greek life at Lawson State Community College.

Clubs and Activities

Lawson has an SGA club. A Phi Beta Lambda club And last a Human Service Club.

Great for these types of students

If you want to play basketball. Wanting to play volleyball. If you love the band you can join the jazz band.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The locations on campus is the library. Also the SSS lab across from the bookstore. They are areas for concentration for work having to be done for a class.

Bang for the buck

Lawson has done some upgrading the first semester I was there. They have up to date boards that are touch screen, and can be used in class explaining work. Lawson has great size classrooms and right amount of students.

What to do for fun

Lawson has a good volleyball and basketball team. They have a great jazz band. Lawson also have clubs you can join.

Food and Dining

The food is perfect. The pricing is worth it. The food is always cooked fresh and hot.

Dorm Life

For dorm life you have internet connection. You also get to have breakfast and lunch for free. There are nice students who live in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Lawson has dual enrollment. Meaning children in high school can start taking college classes if they think they are ready. This is a very good idea so the student can have experience and make sure that is it the right college for them.

Tips for prospective students

Lawson is a very good college. Student Support Services is great if help is needed.

In three sentences

Lawson is very organized. Always prepared for the next semester. Lawson has very nice teachers who are willing to work with you, even on their own time after class.

Darielle from Bessemer, AL

Their are officers on the campus at all times. Even when school is not in session.

Great for these types of students

Students with children, jobs, or anyone who just wants to further their education without 350 other people in their classroom.

Bang for the buck

Very much affordable, especially if you get student aid.

What to do for fun

This is Birmingham, AL. You'll think of something!

Food and Dining

The food's okay. But if you don't want to eat on campus there are plenty of places close by.

Dorm Life

I have not lived in a dorm. But Lawson is the only 2-year college I have ever seen with a dorm. So, that's pretty cool.

Academic Rigor

Easy. Apply yourself and show up for a class and you will do well. Even if you are weak in a subject, if you put forth the effort and your teacher sees you trying your best, they will do whatever necessary to help you succeed.

Tips for prospective students

If you are thinking of attending, stop thinking and just go for it. The teachers are nice, you get things done quickly, and all of the credits you earn here can be transferred to a 4-year university upon graduation.

In three sentences

It's a pretty good starting point for college if you live in Birmingham.

food and dining could be way better. that's the only problem I have with the school. the students that live in the dorm's food isn't as good as the students that pay. I personally don't think its fair.

Dorm Life

I like the dorm life. I could get the full college experience . Only this is there should be more to do, so all the students could get to know each other better.

Academic Rigor

Lawson State academic rigor is wonderful.

Tips for prospective students

if your an out of state student, make sure you could afford to live in the dorms.

In three sentences

its a great school. Its one of the best community colleges in the world. I really like it.

Stephanie from Birmingham, AL

Lawson offers a comfortable dining atmosphere. The food is delicious. As well as healthy.

Dorm Life

I don't know much about the dorm life because I don't live on campus but I can reassure you that if you do live on campus or decide to live on campus you will be safe and I hear that it is not expensive.

Academic Rigor

Your instructors will be with you until you understand. They are patient and willing to work with you one on one.

Tips for prospective students

I think you should consider Lawson State Community College as your first college to attend because it will prepare you on your journey when you want to further your education at a university.

In three sentences

The staff will do everything to help make your admissions or transitions into their school pleasant and stressfree as possible. The counselors will make sure you take the right classes and explain why you need those courses in order. Lawson state has so many rewarding programs to offer that you would want to take advantage of all of them.

Taylor from Hueytown, AL

05/06/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

There is a game room where students like to play table pool, and Foosball. All non-academic areas are lavished with T.V.'s, and remote controls. A fully furnished gymnasium with basket ball court, weight room, and swimming, as well as out door track are open to attenders.

Food and Dining

Breakfast and Lunch are provided in the cafeteria. Students attending are allowed to purchase a meal plan that provides food for a semester. The food provided has a wide range of options to choose from.

Dorm Life

Lawson State has just finished developing on campus dormitories. The housing looks eloquent, and has rules that ensure student safety. Ample parking is made available for driving students.

Academic Rigor

Lawson State provides challenging science and math courses that are transferable to many universities. English and history are offered in advanced levels. Make sure you can devote time to advance on class material.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of all the things Lawson State has to offer! Exercise is important to over all physical and mental wellness, so stay busy. Look for the free tutors and learn how to take advantage of job offers.

In three sentences

Lawson State is able to meet all my needs for educational advancement. It has been a blessing to be able to afford school, and learn a trade. Lawson campuses offer exercise equipment to all students as well as a library with computers and printers.

Maggie from Birmingham, AL

01/11/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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In three sentences

I absolutely love this school! For some reason this school has a bad reputation but I've been here for two semesters and don't see anything wrong with it. If you are looking for 2-year college that has low tuition rates, Lawson State Community College is a perfect pick.

Ta'Quana from Bessemer, AL

12/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

For fun I like to go the gym or the recreational center. When you have a long day and just need some time to relax those are the places. They even have a swimming pool. You could stop by and get your hair done or cut and even get your nail done on campus.

Food and Dining

The food on campus is delicious. Everything is so good. My favorite would be the Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches because their so huge and it really fills me up especially on days when I have two to three classes on that day.

Dorm Life

I don't stay on campus because I live with my grandmother whom stay in Birmingham. If I did stay on campus than I would say its an magnificent. Everyone treats each other like family and look out for one other. My friends stay on campus and they say they love it because the people there reminds them of home so they aren't that really homesick and they meet people and develop a long -term friendships.

Tips for prospective students

As from my perspective of entering the college life for the first time, I would just simply tell them that once your foot hit the college campus your whole life changes. Not only are you taking a huge step in receiving higher education but you are making a choice to be something greater than what the world expected you to become. Just stay focus on your purpose of why you decided to come to college and always try to stay on top of things such as getting to class about ten to twenty minutes ahead of time because you never know how traffic might be. Always come to class very prepared as in extra pencils,your own pencil sharper,extra pens,calculator,make sure you have all your material for that class. Always study because you never know what could happen and even if you know the subject well a little studying won't hurt.Lastly but not least, if you don't really understand something that the teacher is teaching and you're a little bit shy of raising your hand in class always try to meet up with your teacher and talk to them about what the problem is. They are there to help you and they understand that some of us learn things in different ways rather its visual or taking notes or even recording them and going home and listen to it. Never leave the class without fully understanding the subject.

In three sentences

Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus has been great. The experience has be wonderful and the teaches are wonderful as well. My freshman year has been excellent;Also,everyone is so friendly and love to help and is all about helping you succeed your goals.

Ebony from IRONDALE, AL

10/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Security is strictly enforced and available at all times. I was surprised to learn that Lawson State Police were official police officers and held all responsibilities of local law enforcement. During orientation, the chief of the force came and talked to us and gave us his cell phone number as well as all other telephone numbers to reach him or help. He gave us tips and pointers for us to practice safety and made sure to remind us, that they are a phone call or a few steps away. Call anytime for an escort, jump off for your car, with questions or safety issues or just for advice.

Greek Life

There are several Greek organizations that are available for students. The organizations help develop the student wholisticially.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities that a student can be involved in. Lawson State's website offers information on each club and activity as well as the qualification and how to get involved. There is something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Any student that has anxiety about college and feels inadequate in any type way, this is the place for them. I am an adult student and single parent. Lawson State has been a great place to ease anxiety and help transition into being a successful student.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I found it unusual how students can use empty classrooms at anytime to study or hold tutoring sessions. Students can have an entire classroom to themselves without any distractions whatsoever if this is what is needed.

Bang for the buck

Lawson State Community College offers students a university type environment for a community college rate. I really appreciate that classes are offered at night as well as on the weekends without the extra cost of convenience.

What to do for fun

It's obvious that Lawson State believes in balancing academic and social life. There is always something exciting to do and they are very active in the community; therefore on the weekends one can usually find a Lawson State sponsored event that the students and their family and friends can participate in and enjoy.

Food and Dining

I am an evening student; therefore the dining area is closed when I attend classes. The bookstore is open late and has a variety of snacks and microwavable foods. Although food is not being served in the evening hours, the dining area is open for microwave use, and to dine; the environment is clean and comfortable. Vending is located all over the campus, so food and drink is always available.

Dorm Life

Although I am not familiar with dorm life, I hear awesome stories about the facilities and Lawson's website paints a great picture. I am an adult student that lives off campus.

Academic Rigor

Lawson State will not leave anything important out of the lessons or process's in any area. Lawson State is not a hit or miss institution, they are very thorough. Everything is there, upon graduation, you will have everything you came for and more.

Tips for prospective students

Please do whatever the instructors ask you to do. Have the attitude that the things they are telling you or asking you to do is paving the road for success. When studies began to feel overwhelmed, say to yourself, this has been put in place for me to succeed, so I must do my best.

In three sentences

Attending Lawson State has been an experience that I appreciate and value. The environment helped me to realize the possibility of being successful in whatever goals that I set. Lawson State caters to helping any individual to not only be successful but to excel.

Asia from Moundville, AL

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Dorm Life

I've been to the dorms and it is a safe clean learning environment

Academic Rigor

to be honest i am unsure because i have not gotten that far yet. but who does not love a challenge?

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you get everything done ahead of time, the sooner the better! learn about scholarships while still in high school, and lastly ALWAYS ask questions!

In three sentences

They work hard to try to get me situated into the college life. Before the faculty at Lawson i knew nothing about applying for college. Now that they have showed me the road i will be prepared when i make my next journey!

Anonymous

05/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

15 of 21

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What to do for fun

The Birmingham Museum of Art is bight start for a morning. with a donation your offered three floors of amazing irreplaceable imperfect perfections ending your day by three waterfalls with a walk through Lynn park, Highland South-side (night attractions) for a night out for karaoke, dancing, bars, tattoo shops and restaurants.

Food and Dining

Never used a meal plan. We do have a cafe if your planning to stay on campus. The nearest restaurants are Rally's / Checkers and Church's Chickken

Dorm Life

There are dorms for students but there is also off campus housing as well. Off campus allows you to enjoy the attractions of the city and also explore advantages offer by the college.

Academic Rigor

The first month seems sluggish but after that, we hit the books running. Literally. Make -ups and tardiness in classes is at a limit. Your ID is your money.

Tips for prospective students

Start your program as soon as possible and do not be afraid to ask questions. Build a relationship with some type of staff. Be open to options

In three sentences

The student to teacher ratio makes you feel like a person instead of a number. The social and academic opportunity to progress is amazing for a community college. If your looking for somewhere to progress or even start or finish completing a program, it affordable.

Barbara from Bessemer, AL

Both Birmingham and Bessemer Campuses have City Police Officers established on campus 24/7, 365 days a year making it a safe place to be.

Great for these types of students

Lawson State not only focuses on Degree seeking and/or Transfer Students, but also those seeking certification in various fields such as Beauty/Hair Dressing, Heat & Air Conditioning, Welding, as well as programs such as Nursing, Dental Assisting, and Computer Programming.

Bang for the buck

Attending an accredited, community college is very affordable. It allows a transfer student the opportunity to take core curriculum courses that coorelate with their Major without breaking the bank.

What to do for fun

There are many organizations/affiliations offered on this Campus. Various functions are featured throughout the school year, along with a yearly Job/Medical Fair during the Spring Semester at the local Civic Center. As far as local (outside of school) attractions, the City of Bessemer is lacking in this department, however you are within reasonable driving distances to bigger, more exciting Cities, such as Hoover, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria on the Bessemer Campus is always clean, has a nice variety of foods, and the staff is friendly.

Dorm Life

I have had no personal experience with Dorm Life, however, dorm rooms are offered on the Birmingham Campus. The college catalog/website indicates all that is available in this regard.

Academic Rigor

The academic outline for your choice of study is in accordance with mandated State/Federal rules, therefore, you will receive an excellent education at this facility. If you are intereted in completing a Bachelor's Degree, Lawson uses the STARS guideline to ensure you take the appropriate classes that will transfer.

Tips for prospective students

If you are searching for a laid-back atmosphere that is inviting, goal-oriented, and allows for one-on-one teacher-student interaction, then the Bessemer Campus is your best bet. It caters more so to older students returning to college life. If you want to be around the younger crowd, then the Birmingham Campus is your best bet.

In three sentences

Lawson State - Bessemer Campus (I never attended the Birmingham Campus) has a small, family-like atmosphere. The instructors are personable, helpful, and very interested in promoting your success in life. However, the class selection on this particular Campus are smaller - so be prepared to travel to Birmingham to complete your Associate's Degree.

Brandy from Birmingham, AL

03/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
18 of 21

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In three sentences

This is a great school to start your educational career. It will give you opportunity to experience a different life style other than what you may be a custom to. It just has a friendly environment which makes you feel welcome.

Anonymous

campus safety has improved due to more campus patrol and enforcing students to wear their i.d. badges.

Greek Life

as far as i know, lawson does not have greek life here.

Clubs and Activities

a great club to get involved in is the s.g.a. many students really enjoy being in this club and they have involved other students in positive activities. pbl is another popular organization here on the campus for business students , they travel to attend many competions. pbl is also active in fundraising events.

Great for these types of students

physical education is great for the students. there are very dedicated instructors who are encouraging to the students and the instructors are knowledgeable of their cours. the college also has an excellent tutoring lab named the stem lab and the tutors are very patient, knowledgeable and the student is always welcome to use the computers in this lab for math purposes.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the campus house is where advertising for campus videos is filmed. the campus house is located on the east campus and it looks like a house. the outside is brown brick with pink trim.

Bang for the buck

the bookstore sells lunch tickets for $50.00. this is a great option for students to purchase, especially around pell grant time when funds are low and your stomach is growling. the prices in the lunchroom are quite reasonable and you get a big bang for cheap bucks.

What to do for fun

the campus does not have a lot of fun activities at the time. the s.g.a. is rallying for more campus activities for the students. right now, the only fun the students have is playing pool in the old bookstore and that is located in the leon kennedy center.

Food and Dining

food and dining are held in the leon kennedy center.

Dorm Life

dorm life is located on the east campus. the price is too expensive. twenty five hundred dollars per semester for a two year college is too steep.

Academic Rigor

students get very discouraged and comprehension is low in academic subjects such as math and english. the thesis and essay formats are the hardest for many.

Tips for prospective students

prospective students need to pay close attention during the freshman orientation. the freshman orientation will teach the prospective students about campus life. prospective students should learn how to read their college catalogs and campus maps so that they will know where to go for their classes or if they have to deal with disciplinaries.

In three sentences

the landscaping is beautiful and i will rate this a ten. the instructors that i have are adjuncts and together, i rate then a seven. the administration i will rate as a ten.

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